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jaydunndiddit
3262
Mar 19, 2019
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I used the 4XX with gaming prior to switching over to the Elex and they we're a joy to use. The reason they work so well is their level of micro/macro dynamics of sounds that makes positioning easy. They're also punchy but are power hungry so as long as you have a powerful enough amp, I would easily recommend them over anything else you listed. The 58X would be a second suggestion but compared to the 4XX, they can sound a bit hazy and grainy and lack the dynamics and resolution. They're smoother but for gaming it doesn't really help or sound very engaging.
Mar 19, 2019
sacredrabbit
9
Mar 19, 2019
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jaydunndidditHey @jaydunndiddit - I've seen you post about gaming headphones before. I actually just did a quick purchase of the DT1990's on Amazon to try them out - do you have any thoughts on those for gaming/music?
Mar 19, 2019
sacredrabbit
9
Mar 19, 2019
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jaydunndidditI do have a good amp as well! Ended up getting the JDS El Stack
Mar 19, 2019
jaydunndiddit
3262
Mar 19, 2019
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sacredrabbitPersonally, I found them too bright as the treble is overly sharp/accentuated. Some like this but my ears found this tiring and it can make some things sound unnatural (like turning up the sharpness on an image). For gaming, with certain sound FX it's even worse. At least for me. I haven't heard a single Beyer I like to date due to this consistency in their tuning. Overall, I think Beyer is fine in general but that overly sharp treble doesn't play nice to my ears .
Mar 19, 2019
sacredrabbit
9
Mar 20, 2019
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jaydunndidditThanks yeah they are absolutely bright sounding, sometimes even harsh for me as well. Although I have to say that as far as imaging/soundstage goes they are phenomenal. I was playing division 2 last night and the thunderstorm and rain drops felt like it was all around me. If I can tweak the treble just a bit to my liking these might even be my endgame . I bought the Dekoni Hybrid Pads so I’m praying that will do the trick. Otherwise, I’ll check out the he4xx for sure!
Mar 20, 2019
jaydunndiddit
3262
Mar 20, 2019
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sacredrabbitHa, I'm playing The Division 2 right now as well after the disappointment that was Anthem. Currently been using the Elex for Div 2 and the positional audio for the game is really really good. It makes pinpointing skirmishes so easy and even telling the distance a d type of shots is pretty remarkable. Also, thunderstorms sound very realistic. Once during a firefighter, I heard a dog wimpering and taking cover nearby which was distracting but awesome that I even picked that out while trading shots with the baddies. I have been pleasantly surprised at how well mastered this game is. And the Elex just brings out all that resolution and dynamics without missing a beat, ha. The pads may help a bit but unless you have EQ or tone controls, they're always gonna be bright due to that peak known as "Mount Beyer." They're honestly pretty neutral overall if it wasn't for the treble boost and that dip in the upper mids.
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Mar 20, 2019
sacredrabbit
9
Mar 20, 2019
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jaydunndidditThis is the first I've heard of "Mount Beyer" and definitely just had a good laugh. Thank you for that! Also thanks for posting this chart. I've honestly had a really hard time finding a good headphone. I've been on this crazy journey and literally I just want a headphone that has the beautiful warmth of the 6xx with a wider soundstage and more bass. And I think I'm at the point that that will never happen :/
Mar 20, 2019
jaydunndiddit
3262
Mar 20, 2019
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sacredrabbitWell honestly, I don't think that headphone exists. The 650 trades certain things off for it's warm, lush mid-range. The 600 and 660s who are similar show that changing anything in this family has a pretty big change on the FR overall (for better or worse to some). Your best bet would be to look into tube amps and buffers to bring some warmth back to your sound sig. I use an iFi tube buffer with the Elex when the mood strikes to add some warmth and magic back into the signal path when I'm not needing it's cooler, highly detailed sound. Other times, I use the warmer CTH amp over the neutral THX789 for the same reason. And when I'm really in the mood, I run my tube buffer with the CTH just for that warm liquidysmooth sound. Guess I'm trying to say is find a headphone that's very capable and can scale with your mood and gear. For me, the 650 is too warm in general even on a clean amp like the 789. The Elex for me the best of both sides depending on my mood while not losing it's inherit level of speed and dynamics. And trust me, I've gone through a ton of headphones to reach that point, ha.
Mar 20, 2019
sacredrabbit
9
Mar 20, 2019
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jaydunndidditDude you're awesome just wanted to say that straight up. Also, tube amps and buffers are completely new to me. I just bought the el stack (el amp and el dac) and they produce really clean responses thus far but obviously it doesn't change the sound. Do you think I should return those and spend my money on a tube amp and/or buffer instead? Do you have any good examples of ones worth buying?
Mar 20, 2019
jaydunndiddit
3262
Mar 20, 2019
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sacredrabbitHappy to help. Honestly, that stack is solid. I wouldn't change a thing unless you're just wanting to try new equipment as a "side-grade." Admittedly, tube amps are a stickler and something I'm fairly new to as well. I have heard stuff by Woo audio, the Dark voice 336 is highly recommended, the various Little Dots, Bottlehead tube amps, etc. There are so many options out there that I would suggest starting cheap to even see if you like the sound of tubes. I really didn't as a whole and found I only used them in certain cases with certain cans which seemed like a glorious waste of money. Hence me settling on a tube buffer which just slightly colors and changes things without ruining the sound at a reasonable cost. I have an iFi iTube2 buffer and compared to an outright tube amp, it adds some slight flavor to the sound. And for me, that's enough. Some folks REALLY love the sound of tubes but I am admittedly a solid state guy through and through. I had the iFi Pro iDSD on loan from a friend and fell in love with it's tube stages. The iTube2 is basically that section sold separately and that's what I have paired with my THX789 and SMSL SU-8. Really couldn't ask for more at this price point as it ticks all the right boxes and I don't think I want to spend more money for what is seemingly a very small incremental increase in overall clarity.
Mar 20, 2019
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